Patented technology by Apple (either it isn't or it is?)/

[Syndicated Puzzles]

We have had quite a few apps rejected because they infringed on Apples IP.

We built an app called (Login HD) Lock Your Screen(now) using the Slide to Unlock mechanism that Apple has patented.

An app called Lock Screen 2 was doing really well on the Mac app store using the Slide to Unlock mechanism. This app gave us a sense of security that it was ok to use the Slide to Unlock functionality. So we went ahead and built this functionality into our app.

It was immediately rejected stating that the app used the patented Slide to Unlock mechanism. So we went back to the drawing board came up with many concepts that were very different from Apples slider. Anything that had a left to right motion was rejected didn't matter what it was. I think the battle went back and forth for several months killing endless hours of trying to come up with a concept that Apple wouldn't claim ownership.

We finally had to give up and change the name and resubmit a new app ( Lock your Screen) After some haggling it was finally approved. We used a drawing matrix to finally get pass the patent infringement.

A few months ago an app used the slider but the app wasn't very good and faded into the wood work. This week an app appeared in the utilities section and is doing really well. Guess what? THEY ARE USING THE SLIDE TO UNLOCK MECHANISM as the star attraction . Even there Screenshots show in big bold letters Swipe to Unlock. To make matters worse they used almost all our text and layout. Not too concerned about that at this point.


Here is the real problem. One developer goes through hell and back and another developer gets a gravy train using patented technology that Apple is trying to protect tooth and nail against other Phone companies and SOME developers.

We went through the same Nightmare with our iPhone app called Fold to Unlock. Apple claimed to own the Folding concept as well. After tonnes of work we were forced to make the folding mechanism come from the top down to get it approved.

The IOS and OSX platforms have enough issues as it is, Apple shouldn't be allowing some developers to use patented concepts and others stuck going through the motions of developing something Apple might approve.

The store has to start being a level playing field for all developers. How do you compete with an app that uses Apple technology that you aren't allowed to use.

Really pissed off.